Obituary of Agnes Nan Coulter

Nan Coulter, of Calgary Alberta, passed away peacefully at the Foothills Hospital early Sunday morning, October 28, 2007 at the age of 88 years. As a secretary, housewife and mother, Nan’s unwavering faith and resolve encouraged both family and friends. Born in Glasgow, Scotland in 1919 to Mary and Robert Jarvis, Nan was part of that generation that was affected by both the First and Second World Wars. Nan and her two older sisters lost their father in 1920 after serving in WWI. Their mother died in 1928 when Nan was just eight. This left Nan and her sisters orphaned, and in the care of an aunt. They ran away a few years later and landed on the doorstep of a dear friend of their mother’s, Mrs. Logan, who took them into her home. Through a pension of her father’s, Nan was able to attend Notre Dame High School in Glasgow and went on to Gregg’s College for shorthand. Nan wasn’t afraid of work and often had two or three jobs at the same time. This allowed Nan to support herself from an early age and develop a passion for ballroom dancing. In 1943, Nan met John Coulter and they were married in early 1945. They began raising a family with warm optimism, hard work, and the newspaper business, as John rejoined the Scottish Daily Express in Glasgow. However, in 1962, a tragic accident took John, and Nan had to rely on her strength and hard work to raise her children. An old friend quickly offered Nan a clerical position in a betting shop. Her honesty and rigid rules on decorum quickly changed her surroundings into one of pleasant friendship between Nan and her customers. Eventually Nan returned to secretarial work and she enjoyed the challenge of a legal office. The urge to branch out into her own business was satisfied when she became one of the few females to own a licensed betting shop. Her future endeavours were many and varied. Nan was an active member of St. Ninian’s Parish in Glasgow, and helped on many occasions to raise funds for one cause or another. One of Nan’s admirers during WWII was a young flier from Canada who sparked her interest and yearning for this far off land. At the age of sixty-one Nan immigrated into Canada, finally accomplishing that dream from her early twenties. She retired from the City of Calgary Law Department Claims Division nine years later. Nan’s commitment to her faith led her to become an associate in the Sisters of Providence in Calgary, an RCIA instructor, a Pastoral Care worker, a Lecture and a Eucharistic Minister at St. Francis and Sacred Heart churches. In 1999, it became clear that Nan’s memory was in trouble and in 2004, she moved into care at Bow View Manor. Although Nan began to tire easily she kept her dignity, her quick wit, and recognition of family and friends to the end. Nan was predeceased by John in 1962, sons Carson in 1947 and Stephen in 1987, and sister Cathy in 1959. She is survived by her sister Mary, aged ninety-two; children Louise and Iain; Louise’s husband Bruce, and Iain’s wife Heather and their daughters Alison and Fiona. Our family wishes to thank sincerely the staff of Bow View Manor for their kindness and care shown to Nan during her stay. They are truly dedicated individuals who go out of their way to help others. Our thanks also go to the staff at the Foothills Hospital who made Nan’s passing peaceful. Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at Holy Name Catholic Church (2223 – 34 Street S.W., Calgary) on Thursday evening, November 1, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. where we will pray for and eulogize Nan. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Holy Name Catholic Church (2223 – 34th Street S.W.) on Friday, November 2, 2007 at 1:00 p.m. with a reception to follow in the Church Hall. This will be followed at 3:00 p.m. by a nice drive into the countryside, to be met by a piper (remember your tissues), and a Graveside Service at Eden Brook Memorial Gardens, (17 Ave S.W. and Lower Springbank Road, Calgary). Rides will be available for those who don’t drive. If friends so desire memorial tributes, in lieu of flowers, may be made directly to the Holy Name Building Fund, 2223 – 34 Street S.W., Calgary T2E 2W2. Condolences may be forwarded through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. In living memory of Nan Coulter, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES Park Memorial Chapel, 5008 ELBOW DRIVE S.W. Telephone: (403) 243-8200.